The Mission

Overview

Since 1998, the Hispanic Youth Foundation of Northern Virginia (HYF of NOVA) has dedicated its financial resources to helping Hispanic students achieve their full potential by developing and implementing creative education solutions to overcome poor academic motivation, cultural isolation and other barriers. In 2007, the HYF Board of Directors decided to exclusively focus their financial resources on the Victoria D. de Sanchez Northern Virginia Teacher of the Year Award as a way of recognizing and encouraging teachers who have demonstrated exemplary results in working with Hispanic students in Northern Virginia.

The Victoria D. de Sanchez Northern Virginia Hispanic Teacher of the Year Award is endowed by Marymount University, a private, comprehensive Catholic university, directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. Guided by the traditions of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, that emphasizes intellectual curiosity, service to others, and a global perspective. Marymount is known for small classes, personal attention and a strong focus on student success. A Marymount education is grounded in the liberal arts, promotes career preparation, and provides opportunities for personal and professional growth. A student‐centered learning community that values diversity and focuses on the education of the whole person, Marymount guides the intellectual, ethical, and spiritual development of each individual.

Our Mission

To encourage Hispanic students in the Northern Virginia public school systems to excel academically, graduate high school and pursue higher education.

Our Vision

To motivate our children to achieve their full potential by honoring role models among Hispanic teachers in Northern Virginia who inspire students to succeed through their example.

History

Raising the sights of Hispanic students to achieve their full potential.

In the fall of 1997, a group of Hispanic business owners in Northern Virginia began a What if we …? conversation. What if we could help our schools address the critical issue of low-performing Hispanic students who are at risk to drop out? What if we could positively impact the futures of our children, and the communities where we live, work and serve?

Early in 1998, 26 Hispanic CEOs with a single vision formed the non-profit Hispanic Youth Foundation of Northern Virginia, dedicated to supporting educational programs for at-risk Hispanic students. In 2007, the board of directors decided to focus their financial resources on an annual Hispanic educator award to recognize excellence in teaching, community leadership and dedication to the profession.

To achieve this goal, the non-profit entered into an alliance with Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, to establish an endowment with MU for the annual award.

The Victoria D. de Sanchez Northern Virginia Hispanic Teacher of the Year Award, presented annually at the Marymount School of Education and Human Resources awards banquet, honors an exemplary Hispanic teacher who strives to improve the lives of children and their communities through education.

PreK-12 Hispanic teachers from the following 12 school systems in Northern Virginia are eligible to apply for the Victoria D. de Sanchez Hispanic Teacher of the Year Award.